Do grandparents have legal visitation rights in Georgia?

Yes, under the Civil Code of Georgia, grandparents can petition the court for visitation rights if the parents are unreasonably denying them contact with their grandchildren.

Can I stop visitation if I think the other parent is unsafe?

You cannot unilaterally stop court-ordered visitation. You must immediately file a motion with the court to modify the order or request supervision by social services if you have evidence of danger.

Does the child get to choose which parent to visit?

From age 10, the child's opinion is given significant weight by the court. However, the court ultimately decides based on the child's best interests, not just their preference.

What happens if the custodial parent moves to another city?

If a move significantly impacts the visitation schedule, the non-custodial parent can request the court to revise the schedule or travel arrangements to ensure continued contact.

Child Visitation Rights in Georgia

Visitation Rights: Legal Protection of the Parent-Child Bond

Family breakdown should not mean the end of a relationship with a child. Georgian legislation explicitly recognizes that regardless of divorce or living separately, both parents have equal rights and obligations to participate in their child's upbringing. Visitation Rights represent a legal mechanism regulating contact between the child and the parent (or other family members, such as grandparents) with whom the child does not permanently reside. This process is often emotionally difficult and becomes a subject of conflict between parties, making a clear legal framework and the involvement of a qualified lawyer essential.

Often, post-divorce disputes revolve precisely around the child visitation schedule. One party may feel the other parent exerts undue influence on the child, or conversely, the other party feels artificially restricted from contacting their child. In such times, the court and social services intervene to establish a regime that primarily serves the best interests of the child. Legal.ge offers access to experienced family law specialists who will help protect your parenting rights and maintain a stable, healthy relationship with your child.

Service Scope and Components

What Does Visitation Rights Service Cover?

Specialists registered on the Legal.ge platform offer comprehensive legal assistance covering the following aspects:

Developing a Visitation Schedule: Drafting a detailed plan defining weekdays, weekends, holidays, and birthdays when the non-custodial parent can see the child.
Negotiation and Mediation: Reaching an agreement between parents without going to court, which is less stressful for the child and allows for more flexible terms.
Court Representation: Preparing a lawsuit and defending interests in court if parents cannot agree on a schedule or one parent violates an existing agreement.
Enforcement Mechanisms: If, despite a court decision, the other parent hinders contact with the child, a lawyer will help involve the National Bureau of Enforcement and a social worker.
Grandparents' Rights: Under Georgian law, grandparents also have the right to request visitation with their grandchild if the parents do not allow them to do so.
Schedule Modification/Review: Changing the existing regime in relation to the child's increasing age, changes in school schedules, or a parent's change of residence.

Visitation Rights